Eighty year old steel chronograph with two-tone Telemetre dial.

Among the most respected vintage chronographs made by any Swiss maison, Vacheron Constantin’s reference 4072 has earned its place through balance, rarity, and enduring design. Produced from 1938 into the early 1960s, it is one of the brand’s longest-running and most admired chronographs. The example offered here, crafted in stainless steel and powered by the caliber V434, belongs to a particularly scarce group of roughly 250 known steel pieces.

Its appeal goes beyond rarity. The stainless steel case shows unusually strong preservation, with proportions that feel generous for the period and a presence that remains both confident and refined. The concave lugs, angular bezel, and crisp case lines retain a clarity that speaks to both the strength of the original design and the care given to this watch over nearly eight decades.

The dial is equally impressive. The two-tone layout provides a subtle interplay of textures and light, and the printing remains sharp throughout. The applied yellow-gold numerals and markers are intact and add a measured touch of warmth and sophistication.

Accompanied by its presentation box and supported by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1946, this reference 4072 reflects Vacheron Constantin’s skill in both case construction and dial execution. It remains one of the most sought-after chronographs of the mid-20th century for good reason.